Hyaluronic Acid Viscosupplementation
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a naturally occurring substance that is a primary element of the extracellular matrix. Although more commonly associated with the skin, hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient found in the fluid that lubricates the joints (synovial fluid) and protects the cells that form articular cartilage. Hyaluronic acid can play an important role in decreasing inflammation as well as regenerating damaged tissues.
Conditions Treated with Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is an FDA-approved biologic treatment for knee osteoarthritis. When incorporated with water, hyaluronic acid thickens into a gel-like substance that can be directly administered into the knee joint, also known as “viscosupplementation”. This treatment is often used when other conservative therapies are unsuccessful, and when a patient has elected to delay or forgo surgery. A recent meta-analysis of the studies for hyaluronic acid effectiveness found improvement in both knee pain and knee function in individuals treated with hyaluronic acid.
Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist, Dr. Jonathan Koscso, successfully diagnoses and treats patients in Sarasota, FL and the surrounding Gulf Coast region with knee osteoarthritis that can be treated with hyaluronic acid.
For more information on hyaluronic acid biologic treatments, or to discuss your joint preservation treatment options, please contact our office.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan Koscso is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center in Sarasota, FL. Dr. Koscso treats a vast spectrum of sports conditions, including shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle disorders. Dr. Koscso was educated at the University of South Florida and the USF Morsani College of Medicine, followed by orthopedic surgery residency at Washington University in St. Louis/Barnes-Jewish Hospital and sports medicine & shoulder surgery fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, the consistent #1 orthopaedic hospital as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. He has been a team physician for the New York Mets, Iona College Athletics, and NYC’s PSAL.
Disclaimer: All materials presented on this website are the opinions of Dr. Jonathan Koscso and any guest writers, and should not be construed as medical advice. Each patient’s specific condition is different, and a comprehensive medical assessment requires a full medical history, physical exam, and review of diagnostic imaging. If you would like to seek the opinion of Dr. Jonathan Koscso for your specific case, we recommend contacting our office to make an appointment.